Security Shutter Assembly with Hidden Metal Skeleton
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security measures for windows, such as fixed bars and roll-up barriers, are either restrictive in emergencies or aesthetically unpleasing, and traditional plantation shutters lack strength to withstand hurricane winds.
Innovation Solution
A security shutter assembly made of metal with a decorative wood or faux wood exterior, featuring a hidden metal skeleton that allows for easy egress and prevents external opening, while maintaining security and aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed bars and grating are used for security, then security protection is provided, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates and emergency egress becomes restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter assembly transitions from a static fixed bar configuration to a dynamic system with movable shutter leaves that can be opened from the interior. The shutter leaves are hinged to the frame and can be manually or automatically opened to create escape pathways while maintaining security when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter assembly is divided into multiple independent shutter leaves that can be individually opened or closed. This segmentation allows selective opening of specific leaves to create escape routes while maintaining security coverage over other areas of the window.
2Reliability
If roll-up barrier is used for security, then security protection is enhanced, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates and emergency egress becomes more restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the monolithic roll-up barrier with dynamic shutter leaves that can be selectively opened from the interior. This allows emergency egress while maintaining the security function when all leaves are closed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the shutter to be opened from the exterior (as with roll-up barriers), the design allows the shutter leaves to be opened from the interior, reversing the operational direction and enabling emergency escape without compromising security.
3Ease of operation
If plantation shutters are used for aesthetics, then aesthetic appeal is maintained, but strength to withstand hurricane winds deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter assembly combines decorative wood or faux wood exterior materials with a hidden metal skeleton interior structure. This composite construction provides the aesthetic appearance of traditional wooden shutters while the metal framework delivers the structural strength needed to withstand hurricane-force winds.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal skeleton is nested within the decorative exterior shell, creating a layered structure where the outer wood/faux wood layer provides aesthetics and the inner metal framework provides structural reinforcement for wind resistance.
4Ease of operation
If metal skeleton is hidden within decorative shell, then aesthetic appeal is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex metal skeleton structure is extracted from the visible exterior and placed within the interior of the shutter assembly, where it serves its structural function while remaining hidden from external view. Only the necessary functional elements are exposed at the operating mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A decorative shutter assembly securable to an opening of a building for security and storm protection. The shutter assembly includes a shutter frame that is hingedly mounted within a mounting assembly. The shutter assembly includes a plurality of operable shutter slats that extend between vertical shutter columns. Each shutter slat includes an elongate decorative shell disposed over an inner skeletal structure. The inner skeletal structure includes a pair of spaced-apart lateral louver rods extending the length of the decorative shell and a plurality of end caps which are affixed at respective ends of the lateral louver rods. A central rod extends the length of the decorative shell and is arranged for mounting within the shutter columns to enable pivotal movement of the shutter slats between closed and open positions.